The Yankees enter the game ranking 2nd in runs per game (5.20) and 4th in team earned run average (3.56). The Yankees are (6-4) in their last ten games and (30-22) on the road this season. New York has certainly battled the injury bug as of late as Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez will be sidelined for this game. The Yankees will lean heavily on slugger Giancarlo Stanton (.278, 24 HR, 64 RBI) and rookie of the year candidate Gleyber Torres (.286, 15 HR, 45 RBI) in their absence. The additions of Lance Lynn and J.A. Happ add depth to the starting rotation while Zach Britton joins the most dominant bullpen in baseball. The Yankees will be up against Red Sox lefty David Price (11-6, 3.97) who they are hitting a combined .327 against in 257 total at-bats. Price is (5-2, 3.31) at home this season and was (2-1, 4.97) in July.

Boston owns the best record in baseball (75-34) by a wide margin. The Red Sox rank 1st in runs per game (5.25) and 3rd in team ERA (3.47). Boston is (6-4) in their last ten games and (38-15) at home this season. Both Mookie Betts (.338, 25 HR, 56 RBI, 20 SB) and J.D. Martinez (.323, 32 HR, 89 RBI) are top candidates for A.L. MVP. The Red Sox just acquired veteran second baseman Ian Kinsler who will fill the large void left by Dustin Pedroia. Boston is well balanced in all facets of the game ranking as a top ten team in hitting, fielding, pitching, and defense. The Red Sox will be up against Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka (9-2, 3.84) who they are hitting a combined .256 against in 297 at-bats. Tanaka is (6-0, 4.00) on the road this season and (2-0, 1.75) in July.

Bottom Line:

The Yankees are (5-4) against the Red Sox this season despite being outscored 53-49. The Yankees have had great success against Price in the past but injuries have really depleted the middle of their lineup. Boston has been especially dominant at home and I expect them to take advantage of a banged up Yankees team.

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